8.0.3 rc1.19: Unable to Change Install Location on Windows

Software
1

I’m trying to test 8.0.3rc1 alongside 8.0.2. During the install, I am unable to either Edit or Browse the “Destination Folder”. This was also true for rc1.1.

Details: Windows 10, x64, uptodate. KiCad 8.0.3.fc1.19.g7b9c775cbd
KiCAD 8.0.2 installed in D:\Program Files\KiCad\8.0

2

It is not possible to test one point release of 8.0 alongside another (using the Windows installer, at least). Install rc1 on top of 8.0.2, and if you want to go back, just re-install 8.0.2.

3

Jon:

Thanks.

I kludged my way around the installer’s limitation by using renames and symbolic links. Cursory testing indicates I can test the rc and use 8.0.2 normally. If I find any issues with this kludge, I’ll report them.

This is what my KiCad directory looks like under “D:\Program Files”:
KiCad\
KiCad\8.0 (Symbolic Link to 8.0.2)
KiCad\8.0.2
KiCad\8.0.3

I made a desktop shortcut for the rc which points directly to the 8.0.3 directory…

For me, this is simpler (and certainly faster) than re-installing. It also allows quick comparisons if I need them.

I don’t think I recommend this for anyone not comfortable with Windoz’s mklink command and that’s why I don’t have a recipe here.

I further converted identical files in 8.0.2 + 8.0.3 (about 45%) to hardlinks, so the space cost is not too bad. Note: I was actually surprised it was only 45%, I expected more identical files in a “dot release”.

MMM

4

It’s possible to install it “For current user” in a separate directory

5

That would work in my case. I’ll use that in the future. Marked “Solution”.

I changed “Solution” to eelik’s subsequent reply as it seems better to me.
No disrespect intended. But having the rc available to all users is an advantage to some.

MMM

6

As far as I know, the ability to have separate installations and keeping them totally separate while using hasn’t been removed from KiCad. The procedure is described here: Running several KiCad versions on the same Windows machine. It’s not usually needed nowadays because a nightly build and a stable version can be installed and work side by side automatically on most platforms. But it should still be possible.

Installing to different folders is probably enough for two 8.0 instances because the same user configuration works in both. The FAQ article tells how to separate configurations, if that’s needed. In this case it’s probably not needed.

7

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